CN112424061A

CN112424061A - Foldable bicycle trailer

Info

Publication number: CN112424061A
Application number: CN201980046922.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马丁·古登·林达伦; 拉斯·斯坦达尔·斯特雷梅格耶德
Original assignee: Solhushford Ltd
Current assignee: TAITELE CO Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-13
Filing date: 2019-07-12
Publication date: 2021-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-12
Also published as: EP3820768A1; WO2020013709A1; NO344639B1; CN112424061B; US20210354779A1; US11352096B2; EP3820768A4

Abstract

A foldable bicycle trailer has at least two main frames (1, 2) arranged symmetrically around a centre plane. These are connected by a cross bar. The frame (1, 2) stands on wheels (21, 22) or on any other movable interface on either side thereof. The crossbar comprises a first element which in the unfolded state is substantially flat with at least two parallel foldable arms (9a, 10a) and a second element which in the unfolded state is substantially upright with at least two parallel foldable arms (11a, 12 a). The foldable arms (9a, 10a, 11a, 12a) of each of the first and second elements are connected by hinges (5, 6, 7, 8) for connecting the foldable sections of each foldable arm.

Description

Foldable bicycle trailer

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a bicycle trailer that can also be used as a stroller or for carrying goods.

In particular, the present invention relates to a foldable bike trailer for carrying children or for carrying goods. Such a foldable bike trailer is also found to be used as a baby stroller and as a carrier for goods without being pulled by the bike.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle trailer according to the preamble of claim 1.

Background

Foldable chairs on wheels are known for use as bike trailers for safely carrying children. It is also known that such foldable chairs can also be used as baby strollers pushed from behind rather than pulled by a bicycle. These chairs on wheels, whether pulled by a bicycle or pushed from behind, are also known for carrying articles.

A common problem encountered today when folding these foldable chairs (hereinafter referred to as bike trailers, without any limitation, and it should be understood that the present invention covers all types of foldable chairs, as stated in the above paragraphs), on wheels is to keep these wheels in their initial position at the base while folding the chair sideways, thereby achieving a reduced footprint. This essentially requires transporting the bike trailers through the doors and storing them in place.

International patent application WO 01/89907 a1 describes a bicycle child carrier trailer comprising a bed portion configured to carry a load, wherein the bed portion has a frame assembly supporting a seat portion. The frame assembly includes front and rear portions and opposing side portions, wherein each of the front and rear portions can be collapsed to substantially reduce the side-to-side dimension of the trailer for storage or transport.

Issued U.S. patent No. 7168761 discloses a child carrying frame including a lower frame, an upper frame, and a frame support. The frame is adjustable between an upright position for use and a folded position. The process of folding and unfolding is somewhat complicated due to the complex arrangement of the components. This is also true for the bicycle trailer disclosed in US 2002/0074764. It has front and rear hub members that allow the trailer to be vertically collapsed to substantially reduce the lateral dimension of the trailer for storage or transport.

Granted U.S. patent No. US 5687980 discloses a foldable bicycle trailer with a foldable frame. A pair of wheels is permanently rotatably mounted to the collapsible frame. The foldable frame with wheels can be folded for storage.

The technology covered by this patent does to some extent focus on not changing the position of the wheels when folding the bicycle trailer. The foldable frame 12 includes a pair of continuous ring-

shaped side rails

16 and 18. A plurality of collapsible cross bars 20 extend between the

side rails

16 and 18. When the crossbars 20 are folded, the

side rails

16 and 18 will move toward each other for storage. Each cross-bar has two tubes 22. A pair of hinge mounts 24 are provided. Each hinge block connects a first end 26 of one tube 22 to either side rail 16 or side rail 18. A gate latch 28 is attached between the abutting second ends 30 of the tubes 22.

In the above-mentioned patents, the door latches 28 must be manually opened or closed before the trailer can be folded and unfolded, respectively, and the geometry of the cross bars can create undesirable loads on these cross bars during the folding and unfolding action.

The present invention proposes to provide a simpler foldable bicycle trailer, which eliminates the above-mentioned problems. This is achieved by providing a collapsible bicycle trailer having a simple crossbar geometry and having elements that can be collapsed or expanded without excessive loads on the elements during the collapsing/expanding operation.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a foldable bike trailer having at least two main frames arranged symmetrically about a central plane. The frames are connected by crossbars and stand on wheels or other movable interfaces on both sides of the frame. The crossbar comprises a first element and a second element, the first element being substantially flat in the unfolded state having at least two parallel foldable arms; the second element is substantially upright in the unfolded state, also having at least two parallel foldable arms. The foldable sections of the foldable arms of each of the first and second elements are connected by a hinge.

The interface may accommodate a plurality of wheels on either side of the main frame. It is also possible that the interface is adapted to hold a larger attachment securing jogging wheels or straps/ties for using the trailer as a ski/boat ski, where the wheel area is replaced by a ski.

Preferably, each of the first and second elements comprises a plate having a piano hinge along an intermediate portion.

More preferably, each of the first and second members comprises a U-shaped member, and each corner of the U-shaped member is pivotally secured to the main frame, and the hinge connecting the foldable sections of the foldable arms is positioned at a central portion of each of the respective foldable arms.

Even more preferably, the first and second elements are connected by hinges and at least one of the connection hinges between the elements is lockable.

In addition, the foldable sections of the foldable arms are connected by lockable hinges, which can be locked and unlocked manually or remotely.

Drawings

Having described the main features of the above invention, a more detailed and non-limiting description of preferred embodiments will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1a is a perspective view of a frame of a bicycle trailer showing the collapsible cross bar in an unfolded state without wheels.

Fig. 1b is the same perspective view as in fig. 1a, wherein the connections between these components are shown in detail.

FIG. 1c is an enlarged view of the lower left hand side of the frame shown in FIG. 1b, showing the tow bar, bicycle arm and attachment bracket.

FIG. 1d is an enlarged exploded view of the upper left hand hinge bracket attaching one crossbar arm at the left hand corner of the frame.

Fig. 2 is a view of a state when the frame shown in fig. 1a has started to be folded.

Fig. 3 is a view of a final folded state, which follows the state shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the frame shown in fig. 3 in a folded state.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the frame when the frame has been unfolded from the state shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the frame in a state of final deployment. The lockable hinge is unlocked.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the frame in a fully extended state when two of the lockable hinges have been locked.

Fig. 8a is the same perspective as fig. 7, but here the wheel is shown in place. A tow bar for towing a trailer is also shown.

Fig. 8b to 8d are perspective views of the illustration shown in fig. 8a, further showing a detachable handle for pushing the trailer from behind.

Fig. 9 is a view of a state when the frame has started to be folded, which is a state next to the state shown in fig. 8 a. The tow bar and wheels are also shown.

Fig. 10 is a view of the final folded state. The final folded state is a state immediately following the state shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a view of the same state as in fig. 10, but with the tow bar and wheels removed for better understanding.

Fig. 12 is a view of the next state shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a final developed state. Here, the wheels are also shown, and two of the lockable hinges are in the unlocked state.

Detailed Description

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be limiting.

When it is hereinafter referred to as "above" or "below" as well as "top/upper" and "bottom/lower", "right hand side/left hand side" and similar terms, this strictly refers to the orientation as shown in the figures, with the top part of the figures indicating "top".

It should also be understood that the number of components may vary from that shown in the figures without departing from the principles of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like features throughout the several views of the drawings.

To understand the structure of the bicycle trailer of the present invention, reference should first be made to fig. 1a, 8b and 13.

Fig. 1a is a view of the frame only in the unfolded state. Fig. 8a, 8b are views of the frame, wheel and other features in a deployed state, and fig. 13 is a view of the frame on the wheel.

Referring to fig. 1a, a bike trailer has at least two parallel

main frames

1, 2, the

main frames

1, 2 being connected by a cross bar. As shown in fig. 8a, 8b and 13, the

frames

1, 2 rotatably rest on a pair of

wheels

21, 22 on either side thereof. This is in accordance with the preferred embodiment shown. According to another preferred embodiment (not shown), the

main frames

1, 2 may not be parallel, but generally the two frames should be arranged symmetrically with respect to the centre plane.

The crossbar comprises a first U-shaped element which in the unfolded state is substantially flat with at least two parallel

foldable arms

9a, 10 a. There is a second U-shaped element which in the unfolded state is substantially upright and which further has at least two parallel

foldable arms

11a, 12 a. It is also within the scope of the present invention that each of the first and second members may comprise a plate having a piano hinge along a middle portion.

The foldable sections of the

foldable arms

9a, 10a, 11a, 12a of each U-shaped element are connected by

hinges

5, 6, 7, 8. The

foldable arms

9a, 10a, 11a, 12a of the two U-shaped elements may have the same length so that the

main frames

1, 2 may be moved relative to each other at equal speed. However, this is not essential. According to another preferred embodiment, this length is different, in particular in case the frame/side walls are not parallel. (not shown).

The U-shaped elements each have a pair of

rigid arms

9b, 10b, 11b, 12b adjacent the

main frames

1, 2.

Hinges

5, 6, 7, 8 connecting the foldable sections of the foldable arms are positioned at a central portion in each respective

foldable arm

9a, 10a, 11a, 12 a.

Referring to fig. 1a and 1b, each corner of the two U-shaped members is pivotally fastened 13, 14, 15, 19 to the

main frame

1, 2. Fig. 1 and 1b show only the

hinge brackets

13, 14, 15, 19 of the second U-shaped element. The U-shaped member can be turned upwards and forwards through about 90 degrees as will be explained later with reference to the folding and unfolding process of the bicycle trailer.

The foldable sections of one of the

foldable arms

9a, 12a of each U-shaped element are connected by

lockable hinges

5, 6, while the foldable sections of the other

foldable arms

10a, 11a of each U-shaped element are connected by

unlockable hinges

7, 8. It should be clear from fig. 1a that there is one lockable hinge 5 and one unlockable hinge 8 for the first U-shaped element and one lockable hinge 6, (upper one) and one unlockable hinge 7 for the second U-shaped element. However, this is not mandatory. All four hinges may be lockable. These locks may be operated by manual or remote means (e.g. by cable/wire). At least one of the connecting hinges between the elements may be lockable.

Fig. 1b also shows

hinge brackets

13, 14, 15 and 19, which hinge

brackets

13, 14, 15 and 19 pivotally fasten the second U-shaped element with the

main frames

1, 2 and the left and right hand

side attachment brackets

17 and 18. In this connection, it is within the scope of the invention that additional wheels can be fastened and that an adapted interface can be present on the right. Furthermore, the interface may be used to maintain a much larger profile for securing jogging wheels or for attachment of straps/ties for using the trailer as a ski/bobsleing when the wheel area is replaced by a ski. More generally, the present invention incorporates an interface that utilizes a variety of possible devices to pull a trailer.

Fig. 1b also shows a right-hand side suspension 20 and a left-hand side suspension 16 for a right-hand side wheel 22 and a left-hand side wheel 21, respectively. It also shows the tow bar 4 and how it is attached to the lower lateral part of the trailer.

Figure 1c details the features of the left hand side attachment bracket 17. It also shows a footwell support c, a bicycle arm a having a reinforcing cover b at its distal end portion. In general, it shows how the tow bar 4 is connected to the left hand side attachment bracket 17. However, it is also possible to connect the tow bar 4 to the right-hand attachment bracket 18. The tow bar 4 is used for the purpose of towing a bicycle.

Fig. 1d is an enlarged exploded view of the upper left hand side hinge bracket 14. Which indicates the hinge function by means of which the second U-shaped element is attached to one corner of the frame 2. It shows a through hole c and a bushing d. This is of course an example and preferred feature of the invention.

Referring again to fig. 1a, the

foldable arms

9a, 10a of the first U-shaped element and the

foldable arms

11a, 12a of the second U-shaped element are arranged at an angle to each other, whereby the trailer can be folded and unfolded by applying a force to the upper part of the trailer only. This will be explained later, while explaining the folding and unfolding process.

It should be clear from fig. 8 b-8 d that the foldable handle 3 is connected to the

rigid arms

11b, 12b of the second U-shaped element. In another embodiment the handle may be attached to the upper side of the frame, or to the side wall or said duct. This enables the trailer to be pushed from behind, rather than being towed, to be used as a stroller or for an article carrier.

A pair of removable and adjustable seats (not shown) are connected to the

main frame structure

1, 2, 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a such that they face forward and can accommodate at least two children therein in order to use the trailer as a baby stroller. The seat is provided with a harness (not shown) and a protective covering (not shown) for child safety. It should be understood that the present invention also encompasses seats that are not adjustable.

Having described the structure of the foldable bicycle trailer, the folding and unfolding process will now be described in detail with reference to fig. 1a to 13.

Referring to fig. 1a, the

frames

1, 2 are now unfolded and the

hinges

6 and 8 are unlocked. Of course, the

hinges

5 and 7 remain unlocked at all times. However, as explained before, all four hinges may be lockable. These locks may be operated by manual or remote means (e.g. by cable/wire). At least one of the connecting hinges between the elements may be lockable.

Referring now to fig. 2 and 9 (which additionally shows the wheels and wheel suspension in addition to that shown in fig. 2), a force is applied to the upper part of the

frames

1, 2 and the

foldable arms

9a, 10a of the first U-shaped element and the

foldable arms

11a, 12a of the second U-shaped element start to fold. Specifically, the foldable section of each foldable arm begins to fold.

The folding operation can be started by applying a force at the upper part of the frame, since the

foldable arms

9a, 10a of the first U-shaped element and the

foldable arms

11a, 12a of the second U-shaped element are arranged at an angle to each other. This is also true for the unfolding operation. For the same reason, it is also possible to apply a force to the bottom of the structure and achieve the same result as described below.

On continued application of the force, the

frames

1, 2 are fully collapsed. This is revealed by fig. 3, 10 (this additionally shows the drawbar, wheel suspension in addition to that shown in fig. 3) and fig. 11 (this additionally shows the wheel suspension in addition to that shown in fig. 3).

Fig. 4 is a front view of the frame in a fully collapsed state as shown in fig. 3. It shows that all hinges 5, 6, 7 (not shown) and 8 are unlocked.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the frame when the frame has been unfolded from the state shown in fig. 4. Specifically, the foldable section of each foldable arm has begun to unfold. Fig. 12 is the same view, which additionally shows the

wheel suspensions

16, 20 and the left hand side bracket attachment 17 and the right hand side bracket attachment 18. It will be clear that this action can also be initiated by applying a force to the upper part of the

frame

1, 2 only, since the two sets of

foldable arms

9a, 10a and 11a, 12a are arranged at an angle to each other. For the same reason, it is also possible to apply a force to the bottom of the structure and achieve the same result. Further, all hinges 5, 6, 7 and 8 are unlocked/released from fig. 5.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the next state, which is the final expanded state of the

frames

1, 2. The trailer is now deployed again. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of this state. Here, for convenience, the lockable hinges 6, 8 have been locked since the folding and unfolding operations have ended. Fig. 8a is the same perspective as fig. 7, but here the

wheels

21, 22 and the

wheel suspensions

16, 20 are shown in place. Also shown is a tow bar 4 for towing a trailer.

Fig. 13 is an unfolded perspective view of the trailer, which is identical to fig. 1a, and which additionally shows the

wheel suspensions

16, 20, the

wheels

21, 22 and the left-hand side attachment bracket 17 and the right-hand side attachment bracket 18.

It should be clear from the description, the drawings and the claims that the design of the trailer according to the invention ensures that the folding and unfolding operations are performed without substantial loads on the crossbar.

The U-shaped member may be rotated up and forward by about 90 degrees. All hinges connecting the foldable sections of the foldable arms remain unlocked during the folding and unfolding operations so that no human intervention is required to lock/close or unlock/release any hinges/latches etc. during such operations.

Further, the folding and unfolding operations may hold the wheels in place so that in the folded state, the trailer may be safely transported into and out of the storage compartment door.

In general, the following description, drawings, and claims disclose implementations for all purposes of the present invention.

The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments and some drawings for purposes of understanding only, and it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention includes all legal modifications within the scope of the invention as described above and claimed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A foldable bicycle trailer, having at least two main frames (1, 2), the at least two main frames (1, 2) being symmetrically arranged around a centre plane, the at least two main frames (1, 2) being connected by a crossbar, and the frames (1, 2) standing on wheels (21, 22) or on any other movable interface on both sides of the frames (1, 2), characterized in that the crossbar comprises a first element, which in an unfolded state is substantially flat, having at least two parallel foldable arms (9a, 10a), and a second element, which in an unfolded state is substantially upright, also having at least two parallel foldable arms (11a, 12a), and wherein the foldable arms (9 a), 10a, 11a, 12a) are connected by hinges (5, 6, 7, 8) to connect the foldable sections of each foldable arm.

2. A bicycle trailer in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the first and second elements comprises a plate having a piano hinge along a middle portion.

3. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second elements comprises a U-shaped element, and the corners of the U-shaped elements are pivotally fastened (13, 14, 15, 19) to the main frame (1, 2), and wherein the hinge (5, 6, 7, 8) is positioned at a central portion of each of the respective foldable arms (9a, 10a, 11a, 12 a).

4. Bicycle trailer according to claim 3, characterised in that the foldable section of one of the foldable arms (9a, 12a) of each U-shaped element is connected by a lockable hinge (6, 8) and the foldable sections of the other foldable arms (10a, 11a) of each U-shaped element are connected by an unlockable hinge (5, 7).

5. Bicycle trailer according to claims 1 and 3, characterised in that the first and second elements are connected by hinges (5, 6, 7, 8) and that at least one of the connecting hinges between the elements is lockable.

6. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, characterised in that the foldable sections of the foldable arms (9a, 12a, 10a, 11a) are connected by lockable hinges (5, 6, 7, 8), which lockable hinges (5, 6, 7, 8) can be locked and unlocked manually or remotely.

7. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, characterised in that said elements each have a pair of rigid arms (9b, 10b, 11b, 12b) close to the main frame (1, 2).

8. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, characterised in that the foldable arms (9a, 10a, 11a, 12a) have the same length.

9. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, characterised in that the foldable arms (9a, 10a, 11a, 12a) have different lengths.

10. Bicycle trailer according to claim 7, characterised in that pairs of detachable handles (3) are attached to the rigid arms (11b, 12b) of the second set of elements for using the trailer as a baby stroller or for carrying goods.

11. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, characterised in that the interface can accommodate a plurality of wheels on both sides of the main frame (1, 2).

12. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, characterised in that the interface is adapted to hold a larger attachment securing jogging wheels or straps/ties for using the trailer as a ski/bobsleigh, where wheel areas are replaced by skis.

13. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, characterised in that a detachable tow bar (4) is attached at a lower lateral part of one of the main frames (1, 2) for towing by a bicycle or for attaching with another bicycle trailer being towed by a bicycle.

14. Bicycle trailer according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that pairs of detachable and adjustable seats are connected to the main frame (1, 2) structure such that the seats face forwards and can accommodate at least two children therein for using the trailer as a baby stroller, the seats being provided with straps and a protective covering for child safety.

15. A bicycle trailer according to claim 1, wherein the trailer is for carrying goods.

16. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, characterised in that the foldable crossbars (9a, 10a) of the first U-shaped element and the foldable crossbars (11a, 11b) of the second U-shaped element are arranged at an angle to each other.

17. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, characterised in that pairs of wheels (21, 22) are connected on both sides of the main frame (1, 2) by means of suitable suspensions (16, 20).